Undetectable bacterial bioburden in reprocessed single-use endoscopic biopsy forceps: A single-center cross-sectional study

Abstract

Significance:
The increasing cost of endoscopic accessories has prompted the practice of reprocessing single-use devices (SUD) to allow reuse. Although some endoscopy centers have adopted reprocessing to minimize cost, studies on its safety and efficacy are either lacking or with conflicting results. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the effectiveness of reprocessing in eliminating bacterial bioburden in single-use endoscopic biopsy forceps.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Endoscopy forceps used in healthy patients were chosen by simple random sampling to undergo a standard reprocessing protocol. Forceps used in patients who are receiving antibiotics and with bacterial, viral or fungal infection were excluded. Included forceps were swabbed and cultured for any organism. Bioburden was measured in which the growth of a high-concern organism with ≥1 colony-forming units (CFU) or any other bacteria with ≥10 CFU was considered significant.

Results:
Twenty-four endoscopy forceps were included (12 from upper GI and 12 from lower GI endoscopy). No growth of any organism was recorded in all reprocessed forceps with a mean time of incubation of three days. There was zero bioburden.

Conclusion:
Reprocessed endoscopy forceps demonstrated no bacterial bioburden with the protocol used in this study. If adopted and standardized, reprocessing of SUDs may have positive implications in minimizing healthcare costs and increasing accessibility of needed accessories.